Whitehaven Beach is best known for its fine white sands and clear blue waters — together, they create some of the most sought-after beach scenes on the planet.

Not only that, but they combine to make Whitehaven Beach one of the most photographed beaches in Australia. Check out this gallery of 11 amazing photos of Australia’s Whitehaven Beach to see what the buzz is about.

1

Whitehaven Beach can be found on Whitsunday Island, the largest island of the Whitsunday Islands archipelago in Queensland, Australia.
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2

The color of the sand at Whitehaven Beach is due to its composition: 98% pure white silica. Due to the nature of silica, the sand doesn't heat up even in the warmest seasons.
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3

The 7km island beach is accessible by boat, helicopter, or seaplane.
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4

In close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park.
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5

The Tongue Bay, Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is visited by over 75,000 people annually.
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6

At Hill Inlet, the sand is shifted by the changing tides to create a “swirling” pattern.
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7

There are over 70 islands in the island chain of the Whitsundays—Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Island are two of the most popular.
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8

There are campsites on only three islands of the Whitsundays—Hook Island, Whitsunday Island, and Henning Island.
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9

Many visitors consider the lookout at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island to be the best vantage point for viewing Whitehaven Beach.
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10

Whitehaven Beach won a CNN award for Most Eco Friendly Beach in 2010.
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11

Reports exist of the sand from Whitehaven Beach being used in the construction of the Hubble telescope lens, but these have been neither confirmed nor denied.
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